The Federal Government has released a comprehensive list of individuals and groups that will be officially treated as terrorists from 2026, marking a major expansion of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework. The policy shift was unveiled as part of the government’s renewed national security strategy aimed at tackling persistent insecurity across the country.
The announcement was made during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu outlined a redefined approach to combating violence. Under the new framework, terrorism is no longer limited to extremist or ideological groups but now includes a broad range of armed and violent actors operating outside the authority of the state.
According to the government, any armed group or individual engaging in violence without state authorization will be classified as a terrorist. This includes bandits, militias, armed gangs, violent cult groups, criminal networks, and forest-based armed collectives that have contributed to widespread killings, kidnappings, and destruction of property nationwide.
The policy also extends to kidnappers, armed robbers, extortionists, and mercenary groups, reflecting the government’s position that crimes such as kidnapping for ransom and organized banditry now pose threats comparable to conventional terrorism. Security agencies will therefore apply counter-terrorism laws and tactics in addressing these crimes.
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Beyond direct perpetrators, the classification list targets those who enable or sustain violent operations. Financiers, ransom negotiators, informants, arms suppliers, transporters, and individuals who provide safe havens for armed groups will all be treated as terrorist collaborators under the new doctrine.
The government further warned that political, ethnic, financial, or sectarian actors who instigate or promote violence fall within the terrorism classification. This provision is designed to deter the use of violence as a tool for political or communal influence, especially during periods of heightened tension.
Traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious figures who knowingly support, shield, or justify violent groups are also captured in the framework. Officials say this aspect of the policy is meant to break local protection networks that have allowed armed groups to operate with impunity in some communities.
Security experts note that the expanded definition closes long-standing legal gaps that previously allowed violent criminals to be prosecuted only under conventional criminal laws. By reclassifying their actions as terrorism, authorities can deploy stronger investigative powers and stiffer penalties.
The new classification is backed by increased funding for the military, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement bodies in the 2026 budget. The government says resources will be channeled toward intelligence gathering, advanced surveillance, border security, and coordinated operations against armed groups and their sponsors.
As the policy takes effect in 2026, the Federal Government insists it is committed to restoring public safety and national stability. Officials have called for cooperation from citizens, communities, and institutions, stressing that collective vigilance and lawful conduct are essential to ensuring the success of the expanded counter-terrorism strategy.
